🚗 Car & Taxi Rentals in South Korea | DIY Transport Guide for Travelers

Whether you’re landing in Seoul for a short city escape or planning to explore beyond the metro—think Nami Island, Gangwon-do, Busan coastlines, or Jeju’s scenic roads—knowing your transport options in South Korea can make or break your trip.

Korea has one of the best public transport systems in Asia, yes. But there were days when I realized that having a car—or at least knowing which taxi or ride service to trust—made traveling less tiring and more flexible. Especially when you’re carrying luggage, racing against winter cold, or squeezing in day trips.

So here it is—a Korea transport directory, similar to my Leyte and Taiwan posts, with contacts, tips, and honest notes from a DIY traveler’s point of view.

---

🚕 TAXIS & RIDE SERVICES IN SOUTH KOREA

1. KAKAO T (카카오T) – The Most Reliable Option

If you download only one app for Korea, make it this.

📱 App: Kakao T (iOS & Android)
🌐 Website: https://www.kakaomobility.com
💳 Payment: Cash, card, in-app payment
🗣️ Language: English-friendly interface

Why I recommend it:

• Easy booking (no waving taxis on the street)
• Fixed fares shown in the app
• Works nationwide (Seoul, Busan, Jeju, etc.)

💡 Personal tip: This saved me during freezing winter nights when I didn’t want to walk back to the hostel. Book, wait inside, ride stress-free.

---

2. Regular Street Taxis (White / Silver)

🚕 Found everywhere in cities
💰 Metered fares
🗣️ English: limited (but improving)

Base fare (approximate):

• ₩4,800 for first 1.6 km (Seoul)
• Night surcharge after midnight

💡 Tip: Always show the Korean address on your phone. Even locals do this.

---

3. International Taxi (Best for Tourists)

Designed specifically for foreign travelers.

📞 Phone: +82 2-1644-2255
🌐 Website: https://www.intltaxi.co.kr
🗣️ Drivers speak English, Chinese, or Japanese
💳 Fixed rates (higher than regular taxis)

Best for:

• Airport transfers
• First-time visitors
• Travelers with parents or kids

💡 Honest note: More expensive—but worth it if you’re tired, jet-lagged, or anxious about directions.

---

4. Uber Korea (Limited but Exists)

📱 App: Uber
📍 Mostly Seoul & major cities

Uber works—but availability is limited compared to Kakao T.

💡 My take: Use Uber only as a backup. Kakao T is still king in Korea.

---

🚘 CAR RENTALS IN SOUTH KOREA

Renting a car in Korea isn’t necessary for Seoul—but outside the city, it’s incredibly useful, especially in Jeju Island, countryside regions, or winter destinations.

1. LOTTE RENT-A-CAR (Highly Recommended)

One of the biggest and most reliable rental companies in Korea.

📞 Phone: +82 1588-1230
🌐 Website: https://www.lotterentacar.net
📍 Locations: Airports, cities nationwide
🚗 Cars: Sedan, SUV, hybrid, EV

Estimated rates:

• Economy sedan: ₩70,000–₩120,000/day
• SUV: ₩120,000–₩180,000/day

Requirements:

• Passport
• International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Credit card

💡 Personal tip: This is my top choice if renting in Jeju or Busan.

---

2. AJ Rent A Car

📞 Phone: +82 1544-1600
🌐 Website: https://www.ajrentacar.co.kr
📍 Nationwide branches

Known for:

• Clean, newer units
• Airport pickup options

💡 Tip: Compare rates with Lotte—sometimes AJ has better promos.

---

3. SK Rent A Car

📞 Phone: +82 1599-9111
🌐 Website: https://www.skcarrental.com
🚗 Includes EVs & hybrids

Best for:

• Environment-conscious travelers
• Long-distance road trips

💡 Note: Website is Korean-heavy—use Google Translate or book via third-party platforms.

---

4. Hertz Korea (International Brand)

🌐 Website: https://www.hertz.co.kr
📍 Major airports & cities

Best for:

• Business travelers
• Those who prefer international policies

💡 Tip: Rates can be higher—check local companies first.

---

💸 REALISTIC COST GUIDE (KOREA)

🚕 Taxi (Seoul)

• Short city ride: ₩6,000–₩12,000
• Airport to city: ₩60,000–₩90,000 (depending on traffic)

🚗 Car Rental

• Economy: ₩70,000–₩120,000/day
• Gasoline not included
• Tolls & parking extra

💡 Parking in Seoul can be tricky—rent a car only if your route justifies it.

---

🧠 TIPS I LEARNED THE HARD WAY

✔ Always bring an IDP—no IDP, no car
✔ Winter driving requires confidence (icy roads are real)
✔ Download KakaoMap or Naver Map—Google Maps is limited
✔ Save destinations in Korean
✔ Ask about insurance coverage & deductibles

---

🚫 When NOT to Rent a Car

❌ Staying only in Seoul
❌ Short trip with no countryside plans
❌ Uncomfortable driving on the right side
❌ Traveling during peak snowstorms

Stick to MRT + Kakao T—you’ll save energy and sanity.

---

🌅 Korea taught me that efficiency and freedom can coexist.

There were days when I followed the rhythm of the subway—fast, orderly, predictable. And then there were moments when I wanted to slow down, detour, or simply not rush back to the city. That’s when taxis and car rentals quietly gave me space to breathe.

You don’t need to rent a car all the time in Korea.
But knowing when you can—and who to call—makes all the difference.

Travel isn’t about choosing one way to move.
It’s about choosing the way that fits you.

---

🌿 Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote

✨“Some journeys need schedules. Others need keys.”💖

📢 Share This Post

Planning a Korea trip and not sure whether to rent a car or stick to taxis?

💬 Comment your itinerary (Seoul only? Jeju? Busan + countryside?)
📌 Save this post for later
📲 Share this with your travel buddy who always asks, “May Uber ba doon?” 😄

👍 Share on Facebook 🐦 Tweet 📌 Pin It